You may, if you wish, call it the 'anti Oxegen'. While The Strokes, Black Eyed Peas et al rock Punchestown, Wexford label The Richter Collective host a summer shindig, with power popsters The Cast of Cheers headlining.

Beach Boys

National Concert Hall, Dublin, Sunday (Â¤49/Â¤85)

Brian Wilson may soak up all the fanboy love, but it's vocalist Mike Love who retains ownership of the Beach Boys name. Sensible and career-minded where Wilson was fragile and visionary, Love didn't much like the songwriter's eclectic ambitions -- so expect this concert to focus on the group's teen-pop early years rather than the bonkers stuff that followed.

James Taylor

O2, Dublin, Tuesday (Â¤65.70-Â¤86.25)

The early 70s singer-songwriter revolution was quietly spearheaded by Taylor, a moochy strummer whose puppy-dog eyes and little boy lost persona belied a nasty drug habit. His early albums suggested a man prematurely acquainted with old age, so it's no surprise that, now easing into his 60s, he remains perfectly at home performing the songs that made him famous.

The Vaselines

Whelan's, Dublin, Tuesday (Â¤18.50)

It's nearly 20 years since Kurt Cobain championed twee Scottish duo The Vaselines, playing two of their tracks on Nirvana's Unplugged special. Last year, Eugene Kelly and Frances McKee staged an unexpected return with Sex With An X, their first album in 21 years.

Trans Am

The Button Factory, Dublin, Tuesday (Â¤15)

Underrated American progsters tour ninth album Thing. Many of their compositions are only distantly acquainted with tunefulness. But, at full tilt, the racket they conjure can be a thing of scary beauty.

Duran Duran

O2, Dublin, Thursday (Â¤44.20)

The 80s band that refused to go away, Duran Duran have spent the past two decades plodding away in the background, releasing album after album, most of which seem to vanish as soon as they'd arrive. Still, you've got to admire their fortitude and, besides, the Mark Ronson-produced All You Need is Now is far from the worst Seven and the Ragged Tiger pastiche we've encountered this past 12 months (that would be the Brandon Flowers solo record).

Republic of Loose

Leopardstown, Thursday (Â¤15)

Let's just admit it: Republic of Loose's last album, the Baltimore-recorded Bounce the Devil, was an unmitigated flop. As often happens when a band release a duff record, their live following has suffered. Which is a pity: at their best, few Irish groups can rival the funky strut of Mick Pyro's crew.